donglehttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/8133/all
enFlomio Uses Kickstarter to Launch NFC Dongle for iOS Deviceshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/flomio_uses_kickstarter_launch_nfc_dongle_ios_devices
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/flojack_200px.png" alt="FloJack" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />We have no complaints with our iPhone 5, but if you were among those disappointed that the handset didn't introduce near-field communication (NFC) to iOS, a new Kickstarter campaign might be just what you're looking for.<br /><br /><a href=" http://maxborgesagency.com/press/flomio-brings-the-revolutionary-power-of-nfc-to-apple-ios-users-with-flojack-the-only-device-to-connect-iphone-ipod-touch-and-ipad-with-a-simple-touch/" target="_blank">Flomio has launched a Kickstarter preorder campaign for the FloJack</a>, a unique NFC-enabled reader and writer that brings the coveted wireless technology to iOS users at last.<br /><br />Available for the iPhone 4, 4S or 5, fourth or fifth-generation iPod touch and iPad 2 or higher, the FloJack is a small dongle that plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack of these compatible iOS devices and just like magic, enables NFC on that device.<br /><br />“We’re extremely excited to invite iOS customers to the NFC party,” says Richard Grundy, Founder of Flomio. “We see a future where all mobile devices interact in the NFC ecosystem, and we want all mobile users involved now. Since Apple didn’t include NFC in its latest iPhone version -- that’s where we come in. The possibilities are endless.”<br /><br />Well, maybe not quite endless -- after all, you'll need an app capable of reading or writing an NFC tag on another device, which can include transferring content, photos, videos and more just by touching them together.<br /><br />The FloJack is expected to ship in March, 2013 for a suggested retail price of $59.99, and those eager to get on board today <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flomio/flojack-nfc-for-ipad-and-iphone?ref=live" target="_blank">can invest in the company's Kickstarter campaign</a> to secure their place in line.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/flomio_uses_kickstarter_launch_nfc_dongle_ios_devices#commentsNewsdata transferdongleFloJackFlomiokickstarternear field communicationNFCNFC chippreorderswirelessiPadiPhoneiPodFri, 09 Nov 2012 13:23:55 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15541 at http://www.maclife.comHow to Amp Up Your Accessorieshttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_amp_your_accessories
<!--paging_filter--><p>Nearly all of Apple’s iOS accessories do more than advertised, and since you’ll spend a fortune buying them, we’d call that a good thing. So let’s make sure you get your money’s worth with these pricey iPhone and iPad add-ons sold at apple.com.<br /><br />For $39, you can use the Apple Digital AV Adapter to hook your fancy iPad 2 to your fancy TV. Why bother? Because this little dongle mirrors your iPad 2’s display on your TV for larger-than-life FaceTime calls, for boring your friends to death with a slideshow of your travels, or for just supersizing your Mint.com app on your 42-inch LCD so you can see how badly you blew your monthly tech budget. Simply hook up the adapter to your iPad 2, plug an HDMI cable into it, and stick the other end of that HDMI cable into your <br />TV. Everything’s mirrored at a delicious 1080p (in other words, you can see the same image on your iPad 2 as your TV). Totally worth that TV upgrade!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/7/howtofeature/digital-av-adapter.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mirroring your iPad 2’s display on your HDTV is much, much cooler than it sounds.</strong></p><p>But what about that completely obsolete conversation piece, the iPad 1—or another iDevice? No worries, they can still get in on the fun—sort of. If you have an iPhone 4, fourth-gen iPod touch, or a first-gen iPad, this adapter will technically work with your device. Only thing is, those devices can’t mirror onscreen displays, so you can only use this adapter to output videos to your TV at a max resolution of 720p. Just connect everything and hit Play on a YouTube video or some such, and it’ll be shown on your TV.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/7/howtofeature/ipaddock.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The more uses you can think of for this thing, the less you’ll think about how much you paid for it.</strong></p><p>Now let’s say you’re feeling really crazy (or exceptionally lazy) and want to plug more dongles into your iPad 2 without unplugging anything. The Digital AV Adapter makes your dreams come true. A 30-pin connector on the adapter means you can connect third-party accessories like the iWow 3D, Bluetooth-enabled headphones, or even keyboard docks, effectively turning your iPad 2 into one sexy Autobot. And don’t forget about the Camera Connection Kit ($29), which gives any iPad tons of undisclosed powers, like the ability to import photos straight from your iPhone, remove items from an SD card sans computer, or even hook up USB keyboards and other USB devices (hubs, mics—grab the details at <a href="http://bit.ly/9HfgKN" target="_blank">bit.ly/9HfgKN</a>).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/7/howtofeature/camera-connection.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Camera Connection Kit is one of our favorite accessories because it lets you connect so many USB gadgets to your iDevice.</strong></p><p>Speaking of keyboard docks, did you know you can hook your iPhone up to the iPad Keyboard Dock ($69)? That’s right, it totally works, though you’ll need to have the patience to tolerate the occasional disconnect. It’s far from flawless, but the fact that you’re not typing on a touchscreen makes it completely worth it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/7/howtofeature/apple-ipad-keyboard-dock.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Join your iPhone and iPad Keyboard Dock in unholy matrimony.</strong></p><p>And if we’re on the subject of getting your money’s worth from Apple accessories, the only dock worth 30 bucks is the one I tie my yacht to. If you’re feeling buyer’s remorse for that overpriced hunk of plastic you bought, find another use for it. Unless you’re stronger than Lindsay Lohan’s defense attorney, chances are your arms get tired making iPad FaceTime calls…but those unreasonably expensive iPhone and iPad docks make for pretty good tripods. Both accessories tilt the iOS devices a little, so compose your shots before FaceTiming your banker!</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_amp_your_accessories#commentsaccessoriesdocksdongleiPadiPhoneiPodSat, 14 May 2011 15:51:00 +0000Ray Aguilera, Adam Berenstain, Cory Bohon, J.R. Bookwalter, Paul Curthoys, Susie Ochs, and Nic Vargus11318 at http://www.maclife.comiWow 3D Audio Enhancer Reviewhttp://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/iwow_3d_audio_enhancer_review
<!--paging_filter--><h3>Bigger. Not necessarily better.</h3><p>An iPod full of music is a wonderful thing…but the sound coming out of it might not be living up to its potential. SRS Labs is aiming to enhance your audio with the iWow 3D, a dongle that plugs into your device between the dock connector and your favorite headphones. It promises better listening through circuitry, including a wider, more immersive soundstage. And it delivers…sometimes.<br /><br />Controls are simple, consisting of a single white button that lights up when the iWow is engaged. Using it with an iOS device gives you a bit more flexibility—a companion app lets you pick between a few preset sound modes. iWow does make a noticeable difference to your audio, filling out the bass and adding a crispness that’s particularly noticeable in older recordings or low-quality encodings (like YouTube videos).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2011/6/reviews/srs_iwow_3d_25799.jpg" width="620" height="300" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Turn your iPod up to 11.</strong></p><p>But the question of whether these enhancements are good is answered by a number of factors. Golden-eared audio freaks—the guys with entire libraries encoded in Apple Lossless or FLAC—probably won’t like the processed layers it adds to your audio. On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with the (lack of) boom put out by your current earbuds, the iWow 3D just might do the trick. But so would some better headphones, which can be had for the same amount of cash. <br /><br />iWow also widens the soundstage, giving your audio a bigger, airier feel. But using the iWow introduced a background hiss to all of our audio—something we thought we had left behind when we switched from cassette tapes to CDs. It’s not a deal-killer, but it’s there.<br /><br />While we appreciated the difference iWow can make on older records, newer tracks with more modern production often felt overblown. The Smiths’ classic The Queen Is Dead from 1986 benefitted from iWow’s enhanced sonics. In contrast, Adele’s 21 (2011) already has a pumped-up mix that degraded under iWow’s ministrations. Bass became throbby, and the tweaked highs were too bright and brittle-sounding. In fact, extended listening became sort of unpleasant. We wish the companion app offered graduated, EQ-style control, rather than a handful of settings that are either on or off.<br /><br /><strong>The bottom line. </strong>We like iWow 3D for movies but had mixed results with music. It can enhance the sound of older recordings, but modern tracks don’t always fare as well.</p><fieldset class="fieldgroup group-the-bottom-line"><legend>Review Synopsis</legend><div class="field field-type-text field-field-product">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Product:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>iWow 3D for iPod, iPhone &amp; iPad</p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Company:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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SRS Labs </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-contact">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Contact:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://srslabs.com" target="_blank">srslabs.com</a></p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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$79.99 </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Requirements:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>iPod with dock connector or iOS device</p> </div>
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<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Positives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Boosts bass and treble and widens the soundstage. Can be slightly tweaked using preset options in companion iOS app. Works well on older, flatter recordings.</p> </div>
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<div class="field field-type-text field-field-negatives">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Negatives:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<!--paging_filter--><p>Enhanced treble can be fatiguing. Adds noticeable background hiss. Costs as much (or more) as a better pair of headphones.</p> </div>
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http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/iwow_3d_audio_enhancer_review#commentsReviewsAudiodongleHardwareiWow 3DSRS LAbsiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 10 May 2011 16:00:46 +0000Ray Aguilera10689 at http://www.maclife.com